[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14176]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CAPTAIN ANDREW BUDUO III

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 8, 2014

  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I rise 
today to honor Captain Andrew Buduo III as he retires from the United 
States Navy after proudly serving our country for thirty years.
  Captain Buduo completed a bachelor's degree in mathematics and 
physics from St. Lawrence University. He began his distinguished career 
with the United States Navy in 1984 after graduating from Aviation 
Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida, and receiving his 
commission. Captain Buduo was designated as a Naval Aviator in 1986, 
and reported to Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron 12 for flight 
training in the RH-53D airborne mine countermeasures helicopter.
  Captain Buduo reported to his first Fleet squadron, Helicopter Mine 
Countermeasures Squadron (HM-14) where he served as Aircraft Division 
Officer and Staff Mine Warfare (Tactics) Officer. During his tour, he 
deployed onboard USS Guadalcanal and USS Okinawa in support of 
Operation Earnest Will--the ``Tanker War'' of 1987/1988. Subsequently 
he reported to the Coastal Systems Station, Panama City. In 1983 he 
reported onboard the USS Belleau Wood eventually working his way up to 
Mini Boss. As the Mini Boss, he participated in Operation United 
Shield--the final withdrawal of coalition forces from Somalia during 
March of 1995.
  Following his ship tour, Captain Buduo reported to the Command and 
General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, where he earned his 
Joint Professional Military Education Phase I qualification. He 
returned to HM-14, serving as safety officer and aircraft maintenance 
officer.
  In November 1998, Captain Buduo reported to the Airborne Mine Defense 
Program Office where he served in positions of increasing leadership 
responsibility. In May 2002, he moved to the Chief of Staff, Program 
Executive Office, Mine and Undersea Warfare billet.
  In March 2003, Captain Buduo reported to the Helicopter Mine 
Countermeasures Squadron FIFTEEN (HM-15) where he served as Executive 
Officer until he assumed command in April of 2004. While XO, he 
deployed to the Mediterranean in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM 
where he embarked USS Cleveland with HM-DET ONE. During his over two 
years onboard, HM-15 won the Navy ``E'' award twice and assumed 
responsibility for a four-helicopter detachment permanently forward 
deployed to Bahrain.
  In April 2005, Captain Buduo reported to the Naval Sea Systems 
Command, where he served as Director, POM Integration Division, and 
later as NAVSEA's POM Integration Lead. He subsequently assumed command 
of Naval Surface Warfare Center, Panama City Division in September of 
that year.
  Four years later, in November of 2009, Captain Buduo assumed command 
of Indian Head Division Naval Surface Warfare Center. After nearly 
three years in command at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Captain Buduo 
was assigned to the Navy Combat Identification Capabilities Division at 
the Pentagon where he ultimately served as Director.
  Among his many accomplishments, Captain Buduo is entitled to wear the 
Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 gold star, Navy 
Commendation Medal with 2 gold stars, Navy Achievement Medal, and other 
service awards.
  Our country is stronger and safer because of the courageous men and 
women of our armed forces who dedicate their lives to protecting and 
defending our beloved country. I'm honored to stand today to recognize 
Captain Buduo's exemplary service on behalf of the United States of 
America, and I am more grateful than I can express for his service.
  Mr. Speaker, as the Representative of Captain Buduo's hometown of 
Worcester, Massachusetts, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
Captain Buduo's accomplishments and service to our nation. He is a 
proven leader and a credit to his family, the Commonwealth of 
Massachusetts and the United States of America. As he retires from 
military service, we wish Captain Buduo well, along with his wife, 
Charlene, as they look forward to this next chapter in their lives.

                          ____________________